LETTER FROM GAZA.

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ABSTRACT: Article about the Gaza strip and the bad situation of the quarter million refugees there who are mostly Palestine Arab peasants. History of the Gaza Strip & description of the country. The refugees were trapped there in the 1949 Israeli-Egyptian war. Even before the refugees, the population was 40,000 & now it is impossible for the Strip to be self-supporting. Tells how the Israelis, in their recent occupation, did nothing. They think the only thing for the refugees to do is emigrate. Writer talked with Gen. Refet Bele, commander of the Turkish Army corps that defended Gaza against the British 40 years ago. Tells a little about the activities of UNRWA, United Nations Relief & Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The UN personnel, as well as the refugees feel trapped. UNRWA feeds,medicates & educates the refugee community. When Israel took over the Strip, all communication with the Arab countries was cut off. One of the first tasks of the UN administration at Gaza will be to hold the Strip open to communication and economic exchange at both ends.